Verghese V Joseph –
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tuesday address at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) marks a significant moment in the relationship between the Indian government and the Christian community. This event, held at the CBCI headquarters in New Delhi, is notable as it is the first time a sitting Prime Minister has attended such a celebration, highlighting an effort to foster inclusivity and dialogue among diverse religious communities in India.
In his address, Modi underscored the central Christian themes of love, harmony, and brotherhood, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. He articulated that these values are essential for societal cohesion and urged all individuals to work towards strengthening this spirit. This message resonates deeply within the Catholic faith, which emphasizes love as a fundamental principle, as seen in Christ’s commandment to love one another (John 13:34). Modi’s call for unity against violence and disruption aligns with the Church’s teachings on peace and reconciliation.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Pope Francis’ elevation of His Eminence George Koovakad to Cardinal status. This recognition serves as an affirmation of the Catholic Church’s presence and influence within India. It underscores the importance of strong leadership within the Church to navigate complex socio-political landscapes while remaining faithful to its core teachings.
The Prime Minister’s mention of past efforts to rescue Father Alexis Prem Kumar from Afghanistan illustrates a commitment to protecting citizens abroad, which resonates with Christian values of compassion and care for one another. Modi’s statement that “today’s India sees it as its duty to bring its citizens to safety” reflects a broader moral obligation that aligns with Catholic social teaching.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the Christmas celebrations hosted by the CBCI represents a historic step towards inclusivity and dialogue between the Indian government and Christian communities. His emphasis on love, harmony, and brotherhood echoes fundamental Christian values that resonate deeply within Catholic teaching.
The Prime Minister expressed his pain regarding societal violence and highlighted the need for a human-centric approach to address contemporary challenges. By referencing global incidents such as the Christmas market attack in Germany and the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, he called for collective action against such atrocities. This perspective is crucial within Catholic teaching, which advocates for social justice and protection of the vulnerable.
Despite the positive messages conveyed during the celebration, there exists a backdrop of criticism regarding Modi’s government and its treatment of religious minorities. A group of citizens expressed concerns that inviting Modi to this Christmas celebration could overshadow serious issues faced by Christians in India, including rising incidents of violence against them. Citing statistics from organizations like the United Christian Forum and Evangelical Fellowship of India, they reported hundreds of incidents of violence against Christians over recent years.
Critics argue that such symbolic gestures may not adequately address the real challenges faced by Christian communities, particularly in rural areas where they may experience ostracism or violence due to their faith. This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the Catholic community about ensuring that dialogue does not come at the expense of accountability regarding human rights issues.
In light of these challenges, Catholic leaders are called upon to advocate for their communities while engaging with political figures. The CBCI’s role becomes critical here; it must balance fostering interfaith dialogue with addressing grievances related to persecution and discrimination. The Church’s mission includes not only spiritual guidance but also social advocacy, particularly in advocating for justice and protection for marginalized groups.
However, this gesture must be viewed within a larger context where issues of persecution and violence against Christians persist. As leaders within the Church engage with political figures, they must advocate for justice while promoting peace and understanding among all communities. The path forward requires a delicate balance between dialogue and accountability—ensuring that all voices are heard and respected within India’s diverse tapestry of faiths.
This is nothing but political posturing. Did he mention the ethnic violence in Manipur and the custodial death of Stan Swamy? What did our venerable bishops have to say? We only heard the PM ‘s मन की बात